How to Design the Perfect Outdoor Entertainment Area

Between the ongoing challenges that limit large indoor gatherings and the arrival of warm weather, more and more people are taking to the outdoors for backyard entertaining. A mindfully designed patio, porch, deck, or pool area can become a go-to destination for family and friends to gather. But to create a perfect outdoor entertaining space, there are a few things you’ll need.

Is your exterior space party-ready? If not, you’ve come to the right place. Here are a few tips to help you design an outdoor space that has everything you need for backyard barbecues, pool parties, and more!

Take a Seat (and a Table)

Al fresco dining is one of life’s simplest pleasures – and a major outdoor living space trend. Whether you’re working with a small space or a lot of square footage, there are a variety of outdoor dining tables to choose from. For example, a petite bistro table may make sense on a balcony, while a larger dining table is a wonderful addition to larger outdoor spaces.

While there’s a time and a place for a classic picnic table, we encourage you to consider a more elevated look for your outdoor dining area. Before selecting a table, reflect on your personal taste and the style of your home. Choosing a table that aligns with this aesthetic can create harmony and flow between indoor decor and the outdoor vibe.

Ample seating is also essential. After all, is there anything worse than attending an event only to feel like you’re a contestant in an unexpected game of musical chairs? Alongside dining chairs and benches, bar and counter stools are also a clever way to add seating while also enhancing the aesthetic of your exterior space.

Keep it Comfy

If you want people to linger and truly feel welcome at any outdoor event, comfort is critical. This is especially true when it comes to furniture. 

While outdoor furniture used to be one-size-fits-all, today’s offerings are plentiful thanks to innovations across everything from weather-hearty materials to design styles. The gold standard among the many types of outdoor furniture? Plenty of deep seating for lounging!

In addition to incorporating comfortable deep seating furniture like chairs, sofas, chaises, and swings, it’s important to consider other inviting, “comfort-forward” features, such as throw pillows, shade, and greenery.

Light and Bright

Speaking of comfort, is there anything as wonderful as enjoying a cool summer night by the fire? Firepits claim a top spot on our list of outdoor furniture trends. Not only do fire pits offer warmth, but they also provide gentle light that can keep the party going long after the sun goes down.

Lighting has transformative potential in any space. But this is especially true for outdoor entertainment areas. Features like chandeliers, lanterns, twinkle lights, and torches can turn an ordinary exterior area into a truly extraordinary one.

Design Your Outdoor Space with Porch & Patio

If you’ve been thinking of enhancing or expanding your outdoor space to accommodate everything from quiet time at home to larger gatherings, Porch & Patio has you covered. Whether you’re simply looking for backyard patio bar ideas or you have something specific in mind, you’ll find everything you’re looking for at our two premier destinations for outdoor furniture in CT.